This Week at ULC
Newsletter | February 9, 2022
ULC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In celebration of Black History Month this February, public libraries across the U.S. and Canada are engaging their communities in activities and critical conversations about Black history and culture, and shedding light on the structural racism and bias that is deeply embedded in our societies.

ULC is honored to join this celebration all month by highlighting member library voices and work. Below are just a few of the many amazing stories our members are sharing so far:

  • Seattle Public Library is honoring Black History Month by providing a digitized local history collection relating to Black culture and history in the Puget Sound area, curated books by library staff and a series of events such as Practical Audacity: Black Women and International Human Rights.

  • Memphis Public Libraries is celebrating Black History Month by providing access to historical Civil Rights collections in their Dig Memphis Collection, hosting events to celebrate Black owned businesses and educate others about Black history within Memphis and offering book selections that highlight local Black authors.

  • Marin County Free Library aims to create awareness and appreciation this Black History Month through books, films, art, public discussions and programming like Food for the Soul: Celebrate Black History at MCFL.

  • Los Angeles Public Library offers a series of resources during Black History Month, including collections regarding the African American experience, e-audiobooks on Black stories and experiences, podcasts and playlists.

We look forward to sharing more highlights all month long! ​If you have suggested articles, blog posts or photos showcasing your events/programming, please be sure to send them to media@urbanlibraries.org.
ULC MEMBER RECEPTION AT PLA CONFERENCE | MARCH 24
Join your fellow ULC members on March 24 at 5:30 p.m. PT for an evening reception with light bites and libations during the Public Library Association Conference in Portland, Ore. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us!
 
Location
Hotel Eastlund, Cosmopolitan Ballroom
1021 NE Grand Ave
Portland, OR 97232
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION
Live from the Library
Chicago Public Library

Chicago Public Library created “Live from The Library,” (LFTL) in the spring of 2020 as a regular digital storytime for children in Chicago and beyond isolated at home due to COVID-19. Posted daily on social media, programs featured a notable Chicagoan as a guest reader, along with activities by librarians to reinforce literacy skills.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Meet ULC's Newest Member
Glendale Library, Arts & Culture

The Glendale Library, Arts & Culture (GLAC) Department serves the community of Glendale, Los Angeles County, Calif. GLAC provides free library resources and programs for the community with the opportunity to seek and share ideas and information that will enrich lives, foster literacy, inspire intellectual curiosity and stimulate the imagination.
Documenting the Impact of the Pandemic
Wichita Public Library

Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Wichita Public Library is working to document the effect of COVID-19 in Wichita. The library is encouraging patrons to share their pandemic experience by completing an online questionnaire or providing photographs or videos that visually represent the pandemic.  
Encouraging 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Carlsbad City Library

Carlsbad City Library is offering an easy, fun way to motivate their youngest patrons to read. Children from ages birth to 5 years old can enroll in the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Each child receives a starter paper book tracker and a library-branded book bag. 
NEW ON THE ULC BLOG
Inviting the Uninvited: An Unconventional Partnership Helps Bridge the Digital Divide
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District's Executive Director Kelvin Watson highlights the library's initiative in providing easy access to discovery, remote enjoyment and remote learning in and beyond libraries. In closing the digital divide, diverse communities gain access to civic and cultural participation, lifelong learning, gainful employment and essential services.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Analytics and Tech Leaders
Member Group Call
February 10 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Call
February 16 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
ULC EDI Officers
Member Group Call
February 24 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Call
February 28 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Call
March 9 | 3-4 p.m. ET
ULC Member Reception at PLA
Reception
March 24 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. PT
NEW RESOURCES ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
RFP for Website Development
Barrie Public Library

RFP for Website Discovery
Howard County Library System

Downloadable Evaluation Rubric
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

NOW TRENDING ON SOCIAL
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Congratulations to library team member Lesa Holstine for being named the recipient of the prestigious Mystery Writers of America 2022 Raven Award!
JOIN OUR ULC TEAM
We are looking for talented professionals to join our ULC team!

ULC’s Communications Manager will help our team implement communications and outreach efforts with internal and external stakeholders. The communications manager will work closely with ULC’s senior leadership team to raise the profile of how public libraries are addressing critical issues in local communities. Click here to apply >.

ULC’s National Program Manager will help collaborate on initiatives across ULC’s strategic focus areas to help public libraries lead education, strengthen digital equity and build healthy, sustainable communities through innovation. Click here to apply >.
Questions?

Contact ULC's Director of Communications Paul Negron at pnegron@urbanlibraries.org.